First eTree in Europe "emerges" in France

An unusual tree with big, square leaves, serving as solar panels, has "emerged" in Nevers, central France. The first European eTree, featuring photovoltaic leaves, will enable the charging of mobile electronic devices, web surfing or protection from sunrays.

The eTree resembles Green Sun Rising Solar Benches, which enable users to hide in a shade and charge their electronic devices, while also serving as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Inspired by acacia trees from the Israeli desert of Nagev, this futuristic structure uses solar panels mounted on "branches" to store energy and produce electricity from sun power. The eTree uses this electricity to charge USB connection for mobile devices, provides free Wi-Fi in the area and features an LCD screen providing information such as the amount of electricity produced, and it can also serve as night lighting.

The invention is the result of cooperation between a French and an Israeli company. The prototype was produced in 2014. The eTree is also an ecological sculpture which promotes awareness of environmental preservation, sustainable development and the importance of establishing connections between a community and the nature.

– This is a symbol of the town's digital engagement since 2014 – Mayor of Nevers Denis Thuriot, who is in charge of the development of the IT sector in the town, said with pride.

The first eTree was mounted in 2014 in the Ramat Hanadiv Nature Park in Israel. It was "planted" by the Israely RES company Sologic. In 2015, the first functioning eTree was presented at the UN climate change conference, held in France.

Aside from Israel, the biggest number of eTrees were planted in the US and Kazakhstan.

Sologic

etree

Green Sun Rising Solar Benches

Nevers

Denis Thuriot